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By Mary Braswell

ALBANY — Seventy years ago, with four clubs, the Federated Garden Club of Albany was chartered. By the end of 1947, the number of member clubs doubled. A peak number of local garden clubs was reached in the 1960s with 29.

Club meetings were held at the homes of members for years and years. As interest grew and new clubs formed, the desire for a Garden Center grew among members. A building fund was established and clubs held flower shows as the primary means to raise money.

After six years, the fund stood at $800. All agreed that a larger than usual fundraiser was necessary if the Garden Center was ever to be constructed. Each club chose a chairman to serve on the fundraising committee. At a called meeting on March 31, 1953 the decision was made to raffle off a Cadillac, purchased at a greatly reduced price. In addition, a street dance was planned for July 4 on Pine Avenue.

The first raffle ticket went on sale April 16 and was purchased by Mayor Earnest Weatherbee. To promote the project, a garden club float was included in the line up at the Armed Forces parade.

With 17 clubs participating, enthusiasm was high — for a while. In the end, 258 members sold tickets and worked on the dance plans, and 101 members sold not a single ticket. Discouraging as that was, workers (and their husbands) just stepped up their game and pulled it off. A report dated July 10, 1953, states, “It was the largest and most successful project ever staged by any civic group in Albany.”

Raffle tickets, concession sales at the dance and reserved street-side seating added $7,000 to the building fund.

The proud owner of the new Cadillac was Mrs. W.C. Bryan of Rte. 2 Arlington. A member of the Arlington Garden Club, she bought but one ticket from the Albany Federation — the winning one.

Framed and displayed in the club’s lobby is an artist’s rendering entitled, “A Clubhouse for the Federated Garden Clubs.” The 1956 plans were the creation of famed architect Harry MacEwen and drawn by J.E. Greiner Co. & Associates, Engineers and Architects of Albany.

The land for the structure was deeded to the Federated Garden Clubs by the city of Albany with the understanding that, in the event it is no longer used for that purpose, ownership reverts back to the city.

August will mark 58 years since the clubhouse opened its doors.

Albany Garden Center, nestled in the historic garden district, suffered storm damage on Jan. 2, much like everyone else in the area. Trees were down, including at least one on the roof. Debris was strewn about and there was, of course, no electricity.

For the first time any member can recall, the building fell victim to vandals. Entry was made and a mess was left behind. Traces of wax from burning candles, a damaged door panel and books from the center’s library were scattered to and fro.

Fortunately for the Garden Center, that was the entirety of vandalism. Absolutely nothing was stolen.

During a post-storm tour with Mary Baynard, longtime garden club member, stated there are but four clubs remaining in the Federation. When asked why that is the case, Banyard replied, “Lives are no longer centered around the home.”

Books on flower arrangements for the home, church, weddings and funerals were stacked on counter tops. corsage-making, table decorating, dry arrangements and more are stored in the center’s book collection. Most volumes date from just after World War II through the 1970s.

Banyard shared a number of annual scrapbooks housed in the Garden Center’s library. In the one-of-a-kind volumes are flower show results and ribbons, minutes of meetings, plans for events and much more. Included in one such scrapbook is a telegram from Ethel (Mrs. J.W.) Woodruff, Columbus philanthropists, giving her regrets that she would be unable to attended the Federation meeting. It is dated Oct. 7, 1959.

The scrapbooks filled with a wealth of Albany history are in the early stages of being archived through the technology available at the Thronateeska Heritage Center.

Volunteers from the garden clubs and beyond stepped up to bring the facility back to even better condition than before. Generous workers, donors and the center’s insurance have done just that.

Under the guidance of volunteer contractor George McIntosh, all repairs and renovations are complete. The roof has been replaced. The kitchen was gutted of its dated metal counters and cabinets. E&E of Albany donated the deep sink and removable spray-head faucet. A center island and open shelf space as well as new lighting have transformed the kitchen’s appearance and improved its efficiency.

Federation President Betty Hatcher led the reporter on a post-repair/renovation tour. “George has been right on top of all the work. He has made sure the work was done in a timely fashion and of the best quality,” she said.

The Garden Center, with a view of and proximity to Hilsman Park from the back terrace, has been a popular rental venue for many years. Due to storm damage, no events were held this year until May.

Weddings vows have been exchanged at the clubhouse. Couples sometimes marry in the church and hold the reception at the clubhouse. Birthday, retirement and graduation parties as well as family reunions are among the frequent celebration rentals. The space is perfect for corporate meetings and training. At a time in the past, church services were held there and even a private kindergarten.

In the large open room, floors were stripped of old wax and buffed to a super shine. A storage closet houses tables and chairs for about 150 people. There is a small stage, a piano and a drop down screen for video presentations.

Hatcher said that the calender for 2017 is filling up. While not booked solid, “We have some reservations all the way into December,” she said.

If you are interested in renting the Albany Garden Center, call (229) 888-8366 for a complete set of rules and fees.